To Q or not to Q????

[Stan 24v]

Hi all

Im toying with getting a 1.8T A3, probably around 1999/2000 model.

Now, do I pay the extra for the Quattro, or stick with 2WD? I know there is a performance gain in the Q model, but surely that is just offset by the weight gain, and transmission losses??

I intend modifying the car anyway, and a non Q is a fair bit cheaper, so gives me more money to play with, but the Q has the obvious advantage of better traction.

What you reckon???

 

[nickaudi41]

I used to have a 2002 TDI A3 and wished I had bought a quattro. Depends on what you want from the car. If you are going to track day it then go for 2WD but if you want more grip in the wet then go for Quattro.

Hope this helps.

 

[Stewart]

Yeah, the grip in the wet is just fantastic, it's just so safe and fun.

 

[jojo]

With the weather we've been getting lately, Quattro is most helpful.

Also take into consideration that the Quattro drinks a bit more fuel over the 2WD, as it's obviously heavier and has an extra 30BHP to offset the weight difference.

 

[madvw]

Quattro everytime. Later Q's had the k03s too which remaps much higher too.

 

[petewon]

I bet Quattro costs more to service from the stealers too. Just something else to consider.

 

[madvw]

haldex servicing is every 20k for oil and 40k for haldex oil and haldex filter.

Dealers prices are:
haldex oil change - from £60-100
haldex oil and haldex filter - from £100-130

 

[petewon]

haldex servicing is every 20k for oil and 40k for haldex oil and haldex filter.

Dealers prices are:
haldex oil change - from £60-100
haldex oil and haldex filter - from £100-130

Any ideas how much Torsen is?

 

[Spin140]

Quattro does provide excellent peace of mind due to grip levels but if you have never had it you are unlikely to miss it, with the money you save you may get a FWD with either higher spec or lower miles, for day to day driving the FWD mapped or not will be fine and as others have mentioned a little better on fuel, unless you are planning on seriously modding the power to 200+ FWD gets my vote.

 

[madvw]

Any ideas how much Torsen is?

I think torsen is sealed for life, and doesnt need servicing.

 

[petewon]

I think torsen is sealed for life, and doesnt need servicing.

Excelent news, cheers

 

[Bellic]

do they stll use torsen in the newer quattros i thought it was haldex

 

[petewon]

do they stll use torsen in the newer quattros i thought it was haldex

Im prety sure my 2001 B6 is but not sure if they all were.

 

[Stan 24v]

Well I wouldnt use the stealers as I have a local specialist anyway, plus I can do most of it myself.

I currently have a Corrado with over 230 BHP, and 216 lb/ft, and it lights the tyres up quite well (especially in the wet!!), but we also have a Golf 4motion which is the same as the A3 Haldex. It handles well, but is a bit heavy although it may be heavier than the A3 due to the V6 and the fact Golfs are quite big.

With regards to power, I would definitely be aiming for at least 200 BHP but not much more.

I wont be tracking the car, it'll just be for everyday use, and the odd show/sprint etc.

How much is an LSD for a 1.8T????

 

[buckas]

Quattro for the win, rarer!:icon_thumright:

 

[AndyMac]

The 1.8T and 1.8TQ are two very different cars. If you're planning 200bhp+ then you don't have a choice, Quattro all the way. The 2WD barely handles 150bhp = very lively & skitish especially in the wet.

 

[Stan 24v]

Ah, didnt know they were skittish, do tell more. I havent driven one yet.

 

[nickaudi41]

The 1.8T and 1.8TQ are two very different cars. If you're planning 200bhp+ then you don't have a choice, Quattro all the way. The 2WD barely handles 150bhp = very lively & skitish especially in the wet.

To be honest that is so not true!!!

Where are you getting that info from?

 

[AndyMac]

Having owned a 1.8T and spent plenty of time driving my mates 1.8TQ

 

[Tastyterrier]

Got to agree, my old 1.8T was a bit squirmy in the wet, the Q makes yer grin!!!